The Samsung Group Early-Stage Labor Union, Samsung Electronics Branch (hereinafter the Early-Stage Union), is transitioning into a union centered on the DS (Device Solutions) division responsible for semiconductor operations.
According to the 'Results of the 5th General Assembly in 2026' released by the Early-Stage Union on the 19th, an amendment to revise the union bylaws to restrict membership eligibility to employees within the DS division was approved with a 96.3% approval rate (27,619 members). The voting took place over four days starting from the 16th.
Under the revised bylaws, the Early-Stage Union, which previously covered both the DS division and the DX (Device Experience) division responsible for home appliances and smartphone businesses, will be reorganized to focus on the DS division. Existing DX division members are expected to lose their union membership status in accordance with the amended bylaws.
Regarding the results of this general assembly, the Early-Stage Union stated, "Through this assembly, we have clearly defined our organizational scope as employees within Samsung Electronics' DS division," and added, "We have laid the foundation for ensuring consistency and efficiency across all union activities, including organizational operations, on-site activities, and collective bargaining."
A vote of no confidence against Vice Chairperson Lee Song-i and GwangjuJi (Chairman), who belong to the DX division, was also approved with approval rates of 95.7% and 96.2%, respectively. The Early-Stage Union proposed these votes of no confidence, alleging that the two individuals attempted to obstruct the reorganization of the union into a DS-centered structure and undermine its operational direction.
It is reported that another factor behind the proposal for the vote of no confidence was that Vice Chairperson Lee Song-i and Ji (Chairman) disclosed to the public that they had entered into supply contracts with companies operated by Choi Seung-ho (Chairman), who is Lee's father-in-law, for providing items used at union gatherings.
Previously, Vice Chairperson Lee raised allegations that Choi (Chairman) privately acquired points and miles generated during resort membership registration and department store payment processes. The union plans to request law enforcement authorities to investigate matters including the supply of goods for union gatherings. Choi (Chairman) has stated that these allegations are false.
As a result of this general assembly, internal conflicts over the funding source for performance bonuses and the direction of organizational operations appear to have been resolved through the reorganization into a DS-centered structure. However, concerns have been raised that with voter turnout for each of the three proposals reaching only 55.9%, it is difficult to conclude that a sufficient consensus among all union members has been formed regarding the organizational restructuring and measures taken by the executive body.
Attention is also focused on how the Early-Stage Union's reorganization around the DS division will affect future collective bargaining negotiations with management over wages and labor agreements. During this year's negotiation process, the Early-Stage Union clashed with other unions over the issue of integrated performance bonus distribution using company-wide funds. The Early-Stage Union has stated that it will not consider joint negotiations with other unions starting from next year's bargaining cycle.
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